In order to connect more strongly to your notebook, choose a one that is aesthetically pleasing to you. In addition, make sure that your notebook fits your needs in size and shape. If you want to take the notebook with you when you travel or go to work, make sure that it is sturdy with a hard cover to help avoid tearing of pages. If you plan to draw as well as write, try to find a notebook with blank, unlined pages. Overall, keep in mind when and where you will use the notebook, how large the pages need to be, if you need lines or blank pages and if you need a notebook with multiple sections. There is no right or wrong kind of notebook, but it is important that notebook fits your personality and your chosen writing style.
Although it is perfectly fine and even recommended to jot down random thoughts and ideas, some beginners need writing prompts to help generate those ideas and thoughts. If you are having trouble deciding what to write about, try to devote a writing notebook to one very specific subject, such as descriptions of weather, a close examination of one object every day, records of conversations or dreams. Limit your writing notebooks by time or space limited exercises. For example, give yourself five minutes to write down whatever comes to mind, or give yourself the exercise of jotting down exactly one sentence a day. For fiction writers, a notebook is useful for describing characters, plot maps and scenes.
Some writers use their notebooks for varying purposes (such as quotes, title ideas and plot points). In order to effectively use one notebook for multiple purposes, use tabs and sections to separate different areas of the notebook. For example, use the first section of the notebook to gather quotes, use the next to gather newspaper clippings and a third for daily writing exercises. Organizing your notebook allows you to easily find what you are looking for when you go back to the notebook for ideas.
After you have completed the initial set-up of your notebook, schedule time every day to write in it -- even if only for a few minutes. If you make the notebook a part of your schedule, then you will have a better chance of making writing an integrated part of your life. If you do not already have a set writing time, try to write in your notebook either first thing in the morning, before bed at night or for a few minutes before you begin any other writing projects.